Featuring thousands of endemic species and a tropical climate, Cuba is the ultimate travel destination for those seeking unique fauna and flora. Unfortunately, like most islands, Cuba is also home to hundreds of endangered species. Read on to learn more about some of the most fascinating animal and plant species that inhabit Cuba.
Cuba’s nature in a nutshell
The forests, wetlands, mangroves, and grasslands of Cuba are some of the many habitats in this archipelago of biodiversity. They are home to over 8,000 insect species, 7,000 different plants, over 300 species of migrant or resident birds, 150 reptiles, 67 amphibians, and 35 mammal species.
To combat climate change and the impact of human activity on the environment, Cuba implements nature conservation policies — 263 areas, or 22% of its total land, have some sort of protected status. With over 100 marine protected areas and 6 UNESCO biosphere reserves, the country takes efficient measures to protect the environment.
Cuban Painted Snail
The Cuban painted snail is one of Cuba’s endemic mollusc species. The name it owes to the numerous hue varieties of its shell — ochre, pink, yellow, brown, and white. The beautifully coloured snail was even voted ‘Mollusk of the Year 2022’ by the Senckenberg Nature Research Society.
The species, which can be predominantly found along Cuba’s eastern coast, is critically endangered. The illegal trade of snail shells is the main factor decimating its populations. Despite restrictions, collectors and traders have long been attracted to the mollusc’s vibrant exterior. This is why taking these snails from the wild has been illegal for more than 10 years, while their trade was officially banned in 2017.
Cuban Solenodon
Another rare endemic species of the island is the Cuban Solenodon. This nocturnal mammal has a rat-like appearance with a long snout that helps it feed on insects and other invertebrates. Solenodons also produce toxic saliva to subdue larger prey, making them one of the few venomous mammals.
This animal is endangered partly because of an invasive species of mongoose, which was introduced to the island by humans. Another reason for the rarity of this species is its mating cycle — Solenodons only breed a single litter of one or two specimens per year.
Cuban Crocodile
The critically endangered Cuban Crocodile has lost most of its former habitat and population as a result of human hunting activities. Though rather small for a crocodile, this Cuban species can still exceed 3 metres in length and lives up to 75 years. Seeing a Cuban Crocodile in the wild is now possible at only two locations: Zapata Swamp and Isla de Juventud.
Sagua de Tanamo Anole
Anoles are one of the most diverse groups of reptiles, and there may not be a better place to spot these lizards than Cuba. The Sagua de Tanamo Anole is a handsome forest green lizard with black streaks. The population of this species has decreased as its habitat has been lost due to deforestation and climate change. However, you can still catch a glimpse of the Anole as it can be found scurrying up tree trunks around Cuba.
Baracoa Dwarf Frog
Smaller than a walnut at maturity, this creature is among the smallest vertebrates in the world. Ornately coloured with shades of yellow and black, these miniature frogs are exclusively found in pristine rainforest areas in eastern Cuba. Listed as critically endangered, this species requires specific living conditions and suffers from the degradation of its existing habitat.
Cuban Pineland Frog
Another one of Cuba’s many endemic amphibian species, the Cuban Pineland Frog, is considered to be endangered by the IUCN Red List. In appearance, this species is a striking pale grey frog with black speckling and large, brown eyes. The pineland frog, which measures up to 5-7 cm, thrives in temperate forests.
Found in fragmented locations throughout western Cuba, the population of this frog species has declined due in large part to deforestation and human activity. Efforts to expand the tourist industry have previously driven some forestry policies in western Cuba. The decline of this exceptional species may be stopped with a shift in nature observation attitudes.
Fernandina’s Flicker
A gorgeous woodpecker adorned with patterns of black and gold, Fernandina’s Flicker is among the rarest woodpecker species in the world. Estimates suggest that fewer than 1,000 specimens exist today, as their populations have been decimated by habitat loss and hurricanes. As an endemic Cuban species, this is one of the most exciting birds to observe on the island.
Gundlach’s Hawk
Meet an elusive bird of prey that thrives in forested habitats throughout Cuba — Gundlach’s Hawk. Possessing a sleek physique with a slate grey back, red eyes, and rusty-coloured wings, this hawk glides through its domain with ease as it hunts for avian prey.
Once common throughout Cuba, this endemic species is now classified as endangered as it has strongholds in only five major areas throughout the island. Today, only around 400 Gundlach’s Hawks are estimated to remain in the wild. The main threat to this species is deforestation for logging. Unfortunately, some farmers in Cuba also target this species because they perceive it to be a threat to their poultry.
Bee Hummingbird
A list discussing Cuba’s wildlife would be incomplete without the inclusion of the Bee Hummingbird. This tiny bird is famous for being the world’s tiniest bird species. Indeed, these birds are very comparable in size to a honeybee, and their weight rarely exceeds 2 grams.
Though this species has thankfully not been elevated to full endangered status, it is currently considered to be near threatened, as habitat loss has been the leading cause of its decline. Displaying an attractive blue and green iridescent colouring, this bird is among the jewels of Cuba.
West Indian Walnut
As Cuba once replaced many of its forests with coffee plantations and housing settlements, many populations of native plant species saw a decline. The West Indian Walnut is a big tree, reaching heights of up to 25 metres tall. It also produces edible walnuts, considered to be a delicacy by many Cubans. As a rare tree on the island, this endangered species has declined due to deforestation and climate disasters such as hurricanes.
Ghost Orchid
Cuba has 350 native orchid species, with the ghost orchid being one of the most elegant and famous of all. Restricted to the island of Cuba and southern Florida, this delicate plant produces a white flower with long, hooked extensions on either side of its blooms. This orchid only flowers for a short time in summer, and it quickly fades back into an otherwise obscure-looking plant as the florets are lost. Climate change and habitat loss are the reasons for the decline of the Ghost Orchid.
Visit Cuba’s National Parks
Though there are plenty of parks and reserves in Cuba to keep a curious naturalist busy, the first place on your must-visit list should be Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. It is an immense national park filled with a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, coral reefs, and mangroves.
Another wonderful Cuban natural area is Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. This park is blanketed with lush forests and rolling hills, teeming with wildlife. No matter where you travel in Cuba, seeing the flora and fauna of this charming island is sure to impress.
The bottom line
Cuba is home to some of the rarest fauna and flora in the entire world. Its national parks and reserves serve to protect its many endemic species. Thanks to progressive environmental policies, you can still see many of Cuba’s endangered species today. A visit to this island is sure to dazzle anyone, so be sure to book your escape into nature today!
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